Star defense football player Joshua Onujiogu has signed a contract with the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent following last week's NFL draft. According to D3Football.com, Onujiogu is one of just two NCAA Division III student-athletes to get a contract with an NFL team following the 2022 draft. 

The defense end began generating buzz ahead of the draft following a strong Pro Day at Holy Cross several weeks back.  Onujiogu was a two-time MASCAC Defensive Player of the Year who registered 13.5 sacks, 68 tackles and an interception last season while leading the Rams to another appearance in the NCAA Division III tournament.

Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Thomas Kelley says he's ecstatic that Onujiogu is getting a shot to make it in the NFL.

"He's a good football player and an even better person," says Kelley. "I know Seattle really liked him. I think it's a good fit."

The coach credits Onujiogu with not letting COVID shutdown and cancelled season 2020 season upend his development as a player.

"He really powered through it," says Kelley. "Instead of taking a step backward he took a couple steps forward, which is pretty impressive. As a Division III athlete, he is not getting the kind of coaching and training attention that these Division I athletes get. But he didn't drop a beat."

Onujiogu flies out to Seattle later this month. The Wareham, Massachusetts native says he has dreamed of playing in the NFL since he was 7-years-old. As of now, that dream remains very much alive.